2017 Audi Q3 Reliability Report

NHTSA data as of Oct 15, 2026Published Oct 19, 2026

Excellent

Ranks 3rd of 10 Q3 years we score.

Owner complaints: 8
Per 10,000 cars: 5.5; 14,618 made for the U.S.
Vs the average car: 0.25×; same age, 1× is average
Serious outcomes: 3; crash, fire, injury, stall or tow
Recalls: 3
NHTSA crash rating: –

← 2016 Q3 2018 Q3 →

Should You Buy the 2017 Audi Q3?

Yes. Our reliability score for the 2017 Audi Q3 is 84 out of 100, which rates Excellent. Owners reported about a third as many problems as for the average car of the same age. It ranks 3rd of the 10 Q3 years we score.

The most reported problem is high oil consumption, mostly burning or using oil (3 of 8 complaints). Owners also complain about the horn and clock spring. 3 of the 8 complaints describe a serious outcome, such as a crash, a fire, an injury or stalling while driving.

It has 3 recalls. For comparison, the 2016 scores 78 and the 2018 scores 89.

Before you buy, check that the recalls were done and get an independent inspection. The full checklist is at the end of this page.

Pros

Excellent reliability score of 84
About a third of the problems of the average car its age
Recent complaints at or below average
No do-not-drive or park-outside recalls

Cons

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil3 complaints
Horn: stopped working2 complaints
Clock spring failure2 complaints

How the 2017 Q3 Earned Its Score

Every model year starts at 100. Each part takes points away when this year has more problems than the average car of the same age. How we score

Score breakdown
Item	Vs average	Points lost
Starting score		100
Serious problems	0.24×	−3
Everyday problems	0.26×	−2
Problems in the last two years	0.47×	−6
Recalls	0.66×	−5
Score		84

What Owners Report

We read all 8 complaints filed with NHTSA for the 2017 Audi Q3, one by one, and grouped them by the problem they describe. The most reported problems come first. A complaint that describes more than one problem is counted under each, so the counts add up to more than 8.

Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
3 complaints (38%)
Burning or using oil.
Horn: stopped working
2 complaints (25%)
A feature that stopped working and the system acting on its own.
Clock spring failure
2 complaints (25%)
A failure.

Reported Once (8)

Show the 8 problems reported once

PCV valve or crankcase breather failure
Coil spring: parts breaking or coming apart
Several warning lights at once
Engine failure: unusual noises
Frontal airbags: stopped working
Rear window glass: shattering or cracking
Steering: loss of steering control
Timing chain or camshaft failure

How the 2017 Audi Q3 Compares With Other Years

The other Q3 years of the 1st generation, 2015 to 2018, and the years just before and after it.

Year	Rating	Score	Vs average	Per 10k cars	Recalls	Most reported problem
2019	Good	70	1.0×	16.9	4	Stall (cause not stated)
2018	Excellent	89	0.30×	7.5	1	Airbag warning light
2017 This year	Excellent	84	0.25×	5.5	3	Engine oil consumption: burning or using oil
2016	Good	78	0.51×	13.4	3	Airbag warning light
2015	Good	75	0.74×	22.5	2	Ball joints and control arms: rust or corrosion

See every Q3 year

2017 Audi Q3 Recalls

Three recalls cover the 2017 Audi Q3. The most recent was issued in May 2019: “No Indicator For Failed Turn Signal.” A VIN check at NHTSA shows which are still open on a given car.

No Indicator For Failed Turn Signal
Without an indicator informing the driver of an inoperable turn signal, the driver may turn or change lanes without a signal, increasing the risk of crash.
NHTSA 19V385000 Owner letter (PDF)Issued May 23, 2019. By the third quarter of 2020, 91% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Crash Avoidance Parking Brake Use/FMVSS 108
If the parking brake is used during emergency braking, the brake lights on the vehicle will not activate. A vehicle approaching from behind may not have any warning that the vehicle is stopping, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 17V400000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Jun 26, 2017. By the fourth quarter of 2018, 94% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.
Side Marker Lights May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 108
If the side marker lights do not illuminate, the vehicle may be less visible at night, increasing the risk of a crash.
NHTSA 16V642000 Recall report (PDF)Owner letter (PDF)Issued Sep 6, 2016. By the first quarter of 2018, 95% of the cars in this recall had been fixed.

Check Before You Buy

A checklist for the 2017 Q3, from its three recalls and the problems owners report most.

Confirm the Recalls Were Done

Ask the seller for proof that each of these recalls was repaired.

No Indicator For Failed Turn Signal NHTSA 19V385000
Crash Avoidance Parking Brake Use/FMVSS 108 NHTSA 17V400000
Side Marker Lights May Not Illuminate/FMVSS 108 NHTSA 16V642000

On the Test Drive

Ask how often oil is added between changes, and watch for blue smoke at startup.

Ask the Seller

Ask whether any of these were ever repaired, and ask to see the receipts.

High oil consumption
Horn
Clock spring
Also ask for the service records, especially oil changes.

Before You Pay

Get an independent pre-purchase inspection from a mechanic you choose.
Decode the VIN to confirm the model year, engine and trim.
Check the title for salvage, flood or rebuilt branding.

What to do next

All Q3 Years →Best years and years to avoid, side by side.Compare With Other Years →Put up to four model years side by side.Find Warranty Extensions →Repairs Audi may still cover for this year.Decode a VIN →Confirm the exact year, engine and trim of a car.